The easiest way to avoid a hassle at check-in is to double-check the airline carry-on size limits before you start packing (or better yet, before you buy your luggage).
I researched the carry-on and personal item size limits for 175 domestic and international airlines to compile the ultimate guide to carry-on luggage size limits. This is the most comprehensive list of carry-on size limits on the web.
The general guideline is that carry-ons need to be under 22 x 14 x 9 inches for domestic flights, or 21.7 x 15.7 x 9 for international flights. However, every airline sets its own luggage restrictions, and those restrictions vary quite widely.
That’s why it’s important to research the rules for the specific airlines you’re flying with. I wrote this guide to be a straightforward resource where you can easily find the size restrictions for different airlines.
What to Know About Carry-On Luggage Sizing
Carry-on luggage is a smaller piece of luggage that you can take with you on a plane. Because it has to fit in the overhead bin, carry-on luggage is smaller than checked luggage and must fit within specific size restrictions set by airlines.
A carry-on bag can be a suitcase, duffel bag, backpack, or even an instrument case, but no matter what it looks like, it has to fit within the size limits.
If you shop around for carry-on luggage, you’ll notice some suitcases marketed as “domestic carry-ons” and some marketed as “international carry-ons.” The difference here is all in the sizing.
For carry-on baggage on domestic flights within the United States, the typical size limit is around 22 x 14 x 9 inches for carry-on bags and 18 x 14 x 8 inches, but some US airlines have larger or smaller limits.
If you’re traveling internationally, you’ll want to pay a bit closer attention to the size of your carry-on. International airlines tend to be stricter. Standard carry-on sizes are usually around 21.7 x 15.7 x 9 inches, and personal items are most often limited to 15.7 x 11.8 x 3.9 inches.
When in doubt, I recommend getting a suitcase that’s sized to work for both US and international flights. That way your bag is future-proofed for any trips you may take.
For most people, a carry-on bag is large enough to pack for 3-5 days, but if you pack light, a carry-on can easily be enough for longer-term one-bag travel.
The majority of domestic and international airlines will let you bring one carry-on bag and one smaller personal item onboard without extra fees. However, some budget airlines charge you a fee for a carry-on.
What to Know About Personal Item Sizing
When you fly, you’ll usually be allowed to bring along one personal item alongside your carry-on luggage. Your personal item can be a smaller bag like a purse, briefcase, or small travel daypack that needs to fit under the seat in front of you.
Unlike carry-on bags, which stay in the overhead bin, personal items are designed to be kept within easy reach. Think of it as a place to keep essentials you need access to during the flight.
Because of that, personal item size limits are typically much smaller than carry-on limits. Within the US, most airlines limit personal items to 18 x 14 x 8 inches. Outside the US, personal item size limits are usually much smaller, and they vary widely. The most common international personal item size is 15.7 x 11.8 x 3.9 inches.
I’ve managed to pack for week-long trips with just a personal item before (when I was flying with an ultra-budget airline that charged for carry-ons), but it was a tight squeeze.
Keep in mind that each airline has different size restrictions for personal items, so it’s important to check the guidelines of the airline you’re flying with.
Why Is Choosing the Right Carry-On Size Important?
The main reason to make sure your carry-on luggage is the right size is to avoid any check-in surprises. Airlines have specific size restrictions for carry-on luggage, and if your bag exceeds these limits, you may be required to check it in at the gate.
This usually costs extra and can be a major hassle, especially if you packed items in your carry-on that you need access to in route.
In addition, choosing the right size for your carry-on is crucial for ensuring that your luggage fits perfectly in the overhead compartment. That’s the whole point of the restrictions in the first place!
Even if you make it onto the plane with a too-big bag, you don’t want to be the person blocking the aisle as you try to jam your suitcase into the overhead bin.
Just because you’ve used your carry-on before without any issues doesn’t guarantee it will work on every flight with every airline.
Carry-On Size Limits By Airline
Most airlines have precise limits on how large your carry-on luggage can be. These limits vary from one airline to another, so it’s not as simple as buying a suitcase that’s advertised as carry-on compliant.
Just because a bag is marketed as a domestic carry-on doesn’t mean it absolutely fits on all US domestic flights, and just because it’s marketed as an international carry-on certainly doesn’t mean it will fit on any flight around the world.
The only way to be sure is to compare the dimensions of your luggage with the published size restrictions for the specific airline you’ll be flying with.
When measuring your carry-on luggage, remember that size limits include the handles, wheels, and any other component that sticks out from the main body of the suitcase. If you ignore those extra parts sticking out, you might find yourself with a bag that is too big and won’t be allowed on board.
The table below shows the carry-on and personal item size limits for 175 airlines from around the world.
Airline
Carry-On Size Limit
Personal Item Size Limit
Aegean Airlines
22.0″ x 17.7″ x 9.8″ (56 x 45 x 25 cm)
15.7″ x 7.8″ x 9.8″ (40 x 20 x 25 cm)
Aer Lingus
18.9″ x 13.0″ x 7.9″ (48 x 33 x 20 cm)
10″ x 13″ x 8″ (25 x 33 x 20 cm)
Aeroflot
21.7″ x 15.7″ x 9.8″ (55 x 40 x 25 cm)
12″ x 16″ x 4″ (30 x 40 x 10 cm)
Aerolineas Argentinas
21.7″ x 13.8″ x 9.8″ (55 x 35 x 25 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Aeromexico
21.7″ x 15.7″ x 9.8″ (55 x 40 x 25 cm)
21.5″ x 15.7″ x 10″ (55 x 40 x 25 cm)
Air Asia
22.0″ x 14.2″ x 9.1″ (56 x 36 x 23 cm)
16″ x 12″ x 6″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Air Astana
22.0″ x 17.7″ x 9.8″ (56 x 45 x 25 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 7.9″ (40 x 30 x 20 cm)
Air Baltic
21.7″ x 15.7″ x 9.1″ (55 x 40 x 23 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Air Canada
21.7″ x 15.7″ x 9.1″ (55 x 40 x 23 cm)
17″ x 13″ x 6″ (43 x 33 x 15 cm)
Air Caraibes
17.7″ x 13.8″ x 7.9″ (45 x 35 x 20 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Air China
21.7″ x 15.7″ x 7.9″ (55 x 40 x 20 cm)
12″ x 16″ x 4″ (30 x 40 x 10 cm)
Air Europa
21.7″ x 13.8″ x 9.8″ (55 x 35 x 25 cm)
16″ x 12″ x 6″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Air France
21.7″ x 13.8″ x 9.8″ (55 x 35 x 25 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.8″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Air India
21.7″ x 13.8″ x 9.8″ (55 x 35 x 25 cm)
10″ x 14″ x 6″ (25 x 35 x 15 cm)
Air Macau
22.0″ x 14.2″ x 9.1″ (56 x 36 x 23 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Air Malta
21.7″ x 15.7″ x 9.8″ (55 x 40 x 25 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 7.9″ (40 x 30 x 20 cm)
Air New Zealand
22.0″ x 14.0″ x 9.0″ (55 x 35 x 22 cm)
9″ x 10″ x 17″ (22 x 25 x 43 cm)
Air Niugini
20.0″ x 12.0″ x 8.0″ (51 x 30 x 20 cm)
16″ x 12″ x 6″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Air Nostrum
17.7″ x 13.8″ x 7.9″ (45 x 35 x 20 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Air Serbia
21.7″ x 15.7″ x 9.1″ (55 x 40 x 23 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Air Seychelles
21.7″ x 15.7″ x 7.9″ (55 x 40 x 20 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Air Tahiti
21.7″ x 13.8″ x 9.8″ (55 x 35 x 25 cm)
16″ x 12″ x 6″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Air Transat
20.1″ x 15.7″ x 9.1″ (51 x 40 x 23 cm)
16″ x 12″ x 6″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
AirAsiaX
22.0″ x 14.0″ x 9.0″ (56 x 36 x 23 cm)
16″ x 12″ x 6″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Aircalin
21.7″ x 13.8″ x 9.8″ (55 x 35 x 25 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Airlink
22.0″ x 16.0″ x 8.0″ (55 x 40 x 20 cm)
16″ x 12″ x 6″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Alaska Airlines
22.0″ x 14.0″ x 9.0″ (56 x 36 x 23 cm)
17″ x 13″ x 9″ (43 x 33 x 23 cm)
Allegiant Air
22.0″ x 14.0″ x 9.0″ (56 x 36 x 23 cm)
16″ x 15″ x 7″ (40 x 38 x 18 cm)
American Airlines
22.0″ x 14.0″ x 9.0″ (56 x 36 x 23 cm)
18″ x 14″ x 8″ (45 x 35 x 20 cm)
ANA
21.7″ x 15.7″ x 9.8″ (55 x 40 x 25 cm)
16″ x 12″ x 6″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Asiana Airlines
21.7″ x 15.7″ x 7.9″ (55 x 40 x 20 cm)
16″ x 12″ x 6″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Austrian
21.7″ x 15.7″ x 9.1″ (55 x 40 x 23 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Avianca
21.7″ x 13.8″ x 9.8″ (55 x 35 x 25 cm)
14″ x 10″ x 8″ (35 x 25 x 20 cm)
Azerbaijan Airlines
22.0″ x 14.0″ x 8.0″ (56 x 36 x 20 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 7.9″ (40 x 30 x 20 cm)
Azul
22.0″ x 14.0″ x 10.0″ (55 x 35 x 25 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Bahamasair
22.0″ x 14.0″ x 9.0″ (56 x 36 x 23 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Bangkok Airways
19.7″ x 14.2″ x 9.1″ (50 x 36 x 23 cm)
16″ x 12″ x 6″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Batik Air
22.0″ x 14.0″ x 9.0″ (55 x 35 x 22 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Beijing Capital Airlines
22.0″ x 16.0″ x 8.0″ (55 x 40 x 20 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Belavia
21.7″ x 15.7″ x 9.8″ (55 x 40 x 25 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Biman Bangladesh
22.0″ x 14.2″ x 9.1″ (56 x 36 x 23 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Binter Canarias
22.0″ x 16.0″ x 8.0″ (55 x 40 x 20 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Blue Air
21.7″ x 15.7″ x 7.9″ (55 x 40 x 20 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Boliviana de Aviacion
11.8″ x 9.8″ x 7.9″ (30 x 25 x 20 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
British Airways
22.0″ x 17.7″ x 9.8″ (56 x 45 x 25 cm)
16″ x 12″ x 6″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Bulgaria Air
21.7″ x 15.7″ x 9.1″ (55 x 40 x 23 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Cambodia Angkor Air
22.0″ x 14.2″ x 9.1″ (56 x 36 x 23 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Cathay Pacific
22.0″ x 14.2″ x 9.1″ (56 x 36 x 23 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Cayman Airways
24.0″ x 16.0″ x 11.0″ (61 x 41 x 28 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Cebu Pacific
22.0″ x 14.2″ x 9.1″ (56 x 36 x 23 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Chengdu Airlines
22.0″ x 16.0″ x 8.0″ (55 x 40 x 20 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
China Airlines
22.0″ x 14.2″ x 9.1″ (56 x 36 x 23 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 7.9″ (40 x 30 x 20 cm)
China Eastern
22.0″ x 17.7″ x 9.8″ (56 x 45 x 25 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 7.9″ (40 x 30 x 20 cm)
China United Airlines
22.0″ x 16.0″ x 8.0″ (55 x 40 x 20 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Citilink
22.0″ x 14.0″ x 9.0″ (55 x 35 x 22 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
CommutAir
22.0″ x 14.0″ x 9.0″ (56 x 36 x 23 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Conviasa
24.0″ x 14.6″ x 9.8″ (61 x 37 x 25 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Copa Airlines
22.0″ x 14.0″ x 10.0″ (55 x 35 x 25 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 7.9″ (40 x 30 x 20 cm)
Croatia Air
21.7″ x 15.7″ x 7.9″ (55 x 40 x 20 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Czech Airlines
21.7″ x 17.7″ x 9.8″ (55 x 45 x 25 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Delta Airlines
22.0″ x 14.0″ x 9.0″ (56 x 36 x 23 cm)
18″ x 14″ x 8″ (45 x 35 x 20 cm)
easyJet
17.7″ x 14.2″ x 7.9″ (45 x 36 x 20 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 7.9″ (40 x 30 x 20 cm)
EL AL
22.0″ x 17.7″ x 9.8″ (56 x 45 x 25 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Emirates Airlines
21.7″ x 15.0″ x 7.9″ (55 x 38 x 20 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Enter Air
21.7″ x 15.7″ x 7.9″ (55 x 40 x 20 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Ethiopian Airlines
21.7″ x 15.7″ x 9.1″ (55 x 40 x 23 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Etihad Airways
22.0″ x 16.0″ x 10.0″ (56 x 41 x 25 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 7.9″ (40 x 30 x 20 cm)
Eurowings
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 9.8″ (40 x 30 x 25 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
EVA Air
22.0″ x 14.2″ x 9.1″ (56 x 36 x 23 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 7.9″ (40 x 30 x 20 cm)
Fiji Airways
21.7″ x 15.7″ x 9.1″ (55 x 40 x 23 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Finnair
21.7″ x 15.7″ x 9.1″ (55 x 40 x 23 cm)
16″ x 12″ x 6″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Flybe
22.0″ x 14.0″ x 8.0″ (56 x 36 x 20 cm)
16″ x 12″ x 6″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
flydubai
22.0″ x 16.0″ x 8.0″ (55 x 40 x 20 cm)
16″ x 12″ x 6″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Flynas
22.0″ x 16.0″ x 8.0″ (55 x 40 x 20 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Frontier Airlines
24.0″ x 16.0″ x 10.0″ (61 x 41 x 25 cm)
18″ x 14″ x 8″ (45 x 35 x 20 cm)
Garuda Indonesia
22.0″ x 14.2″ x 9.1″ (56 x 36 x 23 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Gestair
22.0″ x 16.0″ x 8.0″ (55 x 40 x 20 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Gol
22.0″ x 14.0″ x 10.0″ (55 x 35 x 25 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Gulf Air
17.7″ x 15.7″ x 11.8″ (45 x 40 x 30 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 7.9″ (40 x 30 x 20 cm)
Hainan Airlines
21.7″ x 15.7″ x 7.9″ (55 x 40 x 20 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 7.9″ (40 x 30 x 20 cm)
Hawaiian Airlines
22.0″ x 14.0″ x 9.0″ (56 x 36 x 23 cm)
17″ x 13″ x 9″ (43 x 33 x 23 cm)
Hong Kong Airlines
22.0″ x 14.2″ x 9.1″ (56 x 36 x 23 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Horizon Airlines
22.0″ x 14.2″ x 9.1″ (56 x 36 x 23 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Iberia
22.0″ x 15.7″ x 9.8″ (56 x 40 x 25 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 7.9″ (40 x 30 x 20 cm)
Icelandair
21.7″ x 15.7″ x 7.9″ (55 x 40 x 20 cm)
16″ x 12″ x 6″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Indigo
21.7″ x 13.8″ x 9.8″ (55 x 35 x 25 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Iran Air
22.0″ x 17.7″ x 9.8″ (56 x 45 x 25 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Island Air
22.0″ x 13.8″ x 9.1″ (56 x 35 x 23 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
ITA Airways
22.0″ x 16.0″ x 8.0″ (55 x 40 x 20 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Japan Airlines
21.7″ x 15.7″ x 9.8″ (55 x 40 x 25 cm)
16″ x 12″ x 6″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Jet2
22.0″ x 17.7″ x 9.8″ (56 x 45 x 25 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
JetBlue Airways
22.0″ x 14.0″ x 9.0″ (56 x 36 x 23 cm)
17″ x 13″ x 8″ (43 x 33 x 20 cm)
Jetstar Airways
22.0″ x 14.2″ x 9.1″ (56 x 36 x 23 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Juneyao Airlines
22.0″ x 14.2″ x 9.1″ (56 x 36 x 23 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Kenya Airways
21.7″ x 13.8″ x 9.8″ (55 x 35 x 25 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 7.9″ (40 x 30 x 20 cm)
KLM
21.7″ x 13.8″ x 9.8″ (55 x 35 x 25 cm)
16″ x 12″ x 6″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Kulula
22.0″ x 14.2″ x 9.1″ (56 x 36 x 23 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Kuwait Air
22.0″ x 18.1″ x 9.8″ (56 x 46 x 25 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 7.9″ (40 x 30 x 20 cm)
LATAM
21.7″ x 13.8″ x 9.8″ (55 x 35 x 25 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Liat Airlines
21.0″ x 14.0″ x 8.0″ (53 x 36 x 20 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Linea Aerea Amaszonas
12.0″ x 11.0″ x 8.0″ (30 x 28 x 20 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Lion Air Group
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 7.9″ (40 x 30 x 20 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Loong Air
22.0″ x 16.0″ x 8.0″ (55 x 40 x 20 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
LOT Polish
21.7″ x 15.7″ x 9.1″ (55 x 40 x 23 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Lucky Air
22.0″ x 16.0″ x 8.0″ (55 x 40 x 20 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Lufthansa
21.7″ x 15.7″ x 9.1″ (55 x 40 x 23 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Luxair
21.7″ x 15.7″ x 9.1″ (55 x 40 x 23 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Mahan Air
22.0″ x 16.0″ x 9.0″ (56 x 41 x 23 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Malaysia Airlines
22.0″ x 14.0″ x 9.0″ (56 x 36 x 23 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 7.9″ (40 x 30 x 20 cm)
Mango
22.0″ x 14.2″ x 9.1″ (56 x 36 x 23 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Mesa Airlines
19.0″ x 15.0″ x 11.0″ (48 x 38 x 28 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Middle East Airlines
22.0″ x 15.7″ x 9.8″ (56 x 40 x 25 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Norse Atlantic Airways
22.0″ x 18.0″ x 10.0″ (56 x 46 x 25 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Norwegian
21.7″ x 15.7″ x 9.1″ (55 x 40 x 23 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 7.9″ (40 x 30 x 20 cm)
Oman Air
20.0″ x 16.0″ x 10.0″ (51 x 41 x 25 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 7.9″ (40 x 30 x 20 cm)
Onur Air
22.0″ x 17.7″ x 9.8″ (56 x 45 x 25 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Pakistan International
21.7″ x 15.0″ x 8.7″ (55 x 38 x 22 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 7.9″ (40 x 30 x 20 cm)
Peach
19.7″ x 15.7″ x 9.8″ (50 x 40 x 25 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Pegasus Airlines
22.0″ x 18.0″ x 10.0″ (55 x 45 x 25 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Philippine Airlines
22.0″ x 16.0″ x 8.0″ (55 x 40 x 20 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 7.9″ (40 x 30 x 20 cm)
Porter Airlines
16.9″ x 13.0″ x 6.3″ (43 x 33 x 16 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Qantas Airways
22.0″ x 14.2″ x 9.1″ (56 x 36 x 23 cm)
16″ x 12″ x 6″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Qatar Airways
20.0″ x 15.0″ x 10.0″ (51 x 38 x 25 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 7.9″ (40 x 30 x 20 cm)
Ravn Alaska
16.0″ x 14.0″ x 9.0″ (41 x 36 x 23 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Regional Express
22.0″ x 14.2″ x 9.1″ (56 x 36 x 23 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Royal Brunei Airlines
21.7″ x 15.0″ x 7.9″ (55 x 38 x 20 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 7.9″ (40 x 30 x 20 cm)
Royal Jordanian
20.1″ x 16.1″ x 9.1″ (51 x 41 x 23 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 7.9″ (40 x 30 x 20 cm)
Ryanair
15.7″ x 9.8″ x 7.9″ (40 x 25 x 20 cm)
15.7″ x 7.9″ x 9.8″ (40 x 20 x 25 cm)
S7
21.7″ x 15.7″ x 9.1″ (55 x 40 x 23 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 7.9″ (40 x 30 x 20 cm)
SAS Scandinavian
21.7″ x 15.7″ x 9.1″ (55 x 40 x 23 cm)
16″ x 12″ x 6″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Scoot
21.3″ x 15.0″ x 9.1″ (54 x 38 x 23 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 7.9″ (40 x 30 x 20 cm)
Shandong Airlines
21.7″ x 15.7″ x 7.9″ (55 x 40 x 20 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 7.9″ (40 x 30 x 20 cm)
Shanghai Airlines
22.0″ x 16.0″ x 8.0″ (55 x 40 x 20 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 7.9″ (40 x 30 x 20 cm)
Shenzhen Airlines
22.0″ x 16.0″ x 8.0″ (55 x 40 x 20 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 7.9″ (40 x 30 x 20 cm)
Sichuan Airlines
22.0″ x 16.0″ x 8.0″ (55 x 40 x 20 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 7.9″ (40 x 30 x 20 cm)
Singapore Airlines
22.0″ x 16.0″ x 8.0″ (55 x 40 x 20 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 7.9″ (40 x 30 x 20 cm)
Sky Airlines
17.7″ x 13.8″ x 9.8″ (45 x 35 x 25 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 7.9″ (40 x 30 x 20 cm)
South African Airways
22.0″ x 14.2″ x 9.1″ (56 x 36 x 23 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Southern Airways Express
22.0″ x 14.0″ x 9.0″ (55 x 35 x 22 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Southwest Airlines
24.0″ x 16.0″ x 10.0″ (61 x 41 x 25 cm)
18″ x 14″ x 8″ (45 x 35 x 20 cm)
Spirit Airlines
22.0″ x 18.0″ x 10.0″ (56 x 46 x 25 cm)
18″ x 14″ x 8″ (45 x 35 x 20 cm)
Spring Airlines
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 7.9″ (40 x 30 x 20 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
SriLankan Airlines
22.0″ x 14.2″ x 9.1″ (56 x 36 x 23 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 7.9″ (40 x 30 x 20 cm)
Sun Country
17.0″ x 13.0″ x 9.0″ (43 x 33 x 23 cm)
17″ x 13″ x 9″ (43 x 33 x 23 cm)
Sun Express
21.7″ x 15.7″ x 9.1″ (55 x 40 x 23 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Super Air Jet
22.0″ x 14.0″ x 9.0″ (55 x 35 x 22 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Swiss Int’l Air Lines
21.7″ x 15.7″ x 9.1″ (55 x 40 x 23 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
TAAG Angola
21.7″ x 15.7″ x 7.9″ (55 x 40 x 20 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
TAP Portugal
21.7″ x 15.7″ x 7.9″ (55 x 40 x 20 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
TAROM
21.7″ x 15.7″ x 7.9″ (55 x 40 x 20 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Thai Airways
22.0″ x 17.7″ x 9.8″ (56 x 45 x 25 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 7.9″ (40 x 30 x 20 cm)
Thomson Airways
21.7″ x 15.7″ x 7.9″ (55 x 40 x 20 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Tianjin Airlines
21.7″ x 15.7″ x 7.9″ (55 x 40 x 20 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Transavia Airlines
21.7″ x 13.8″ x 9.8″ (55 x 35 x 25 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Turkish Airlines
21.7″ x 15.7″ x 9.1″ (55 x 40 x 23 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Turkmenistan Airlines
17.7″ x 13.8″ x 5.9″ (45 x 35 x 15 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Ukraine International
21.7″ x 15.7″ x 7.9″ (55 x 40 x 20 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
United Airlines
22.0″ x 14.0″ x 9.0″ (56 x 36 x 23 cm)
17″ x 10″ x 9″ (43 x 25 x 23 cm)
Ural Airlines
22.0″ x 16.0″ x 8.0″ (55 x 40 x 20 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Utair Airlines
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 7.9″ (40 x 30 x 20 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 7.9″ (40 x 30 x 20 cm)
Uzbekistan Air
21.7″ x 15.7″ x 7.9″ (55 x 40 x 20 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Vietjet Air
22.0″ x 14.0″ x 9.0″ (55 x 35 x 22 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Vietnam Airlines
22.0″ x 14.2″ x 9.1″ (56 x 36 x 23 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 7.9″ (40 x 30 x 20 cm)
Virgin Atlantic
22.0″ x 14.2″ x 9.1″ (56 x 36 x 23 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Virgin Australia
22.0″ x 14.2″ x 9.1″ (56 x 36 x 23 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Vistara
22.0″ x 16.0″ x 8.0″ (55 x 40 x 20 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Viva Aerobus
22.0″ x 16.0″ x 8.0″ (55 x 40 x 20 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
VivaColombia
15.7″ x 13.8″ x 9.8″ (40 x 35 x 25 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Volaris
18.0″ x 14.0″ x 8.0″ (46 x 36 x 20 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Volotea
21.7″ x 15.7″ x 7.9″ (55 x 40 x 20 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Vueling
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 7.9″ (40 x 30 x 20 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
WestJet
20.9″ x 15.0″ x 9.1″ (53 x 38 x 23 cm)
16″ x 13″ x 6″ (41 x 33 x 15 cm)
Widerøe
22.0″ x 16.0″ x 8.0″ (55 x 40 x 20 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Wizz Air
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 7.9″ (40 x 30 x 20 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Xiamen
21.5″ x 13.5″ x 10.0″ (55 x 34 x 25 cm)
15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
table.wpDataTable .button-color {
background-color: #FA8900 !important;
color: white !important;
padding: 15px 20px !important;
}
table.wpDataTable button-color:hover {
background-color: #E17B00 !important;
}.wpdt-fs-000014 { font-size: 14px !important;}
/* buttons background color */
.wpDataTables .wdt-checkbox-filter.btn,
.wdt-frontend-modal .btn,
div.dt-button-collection a.dt-button.active:not(.disabled),
div.dt-button-collection button.dt-button.active:not(.disabled) {
background-color: rgba(250, 137, 0, 1) !important;
background-image: none !important;
}
What Can You Pack in Your Carry-On Bags?
Getting the right-sized suitcase or bag is just the first step in making sure you’re carry-on legal. You also need to know what you’re allowed to pack in your carry-on so you don’t get stopped at security for having a prohibited item.
Prohibited Items for Carry-On
The TSA has a long list of items that are not allowed in carry-on bags or on your person during a flight. This includes any weapons or anything that could be used as a weapon as well as flammable or toxic substances.
The list below includes common items that are not allowed in your carry-on, but it is by no means exhaustive. Always stay up-to-date with the latest TSA guidelines. When in doubt, it never hurts to take a moment to double check.
Firearms and ammunition
Knives and scissors
Liquids more than 3.4 oz per container
Sporting equipment (e.g., baseball bats, golf clubs, hockey sticks)
Self-defense items (e.g., pepper spray, tasers)
Tools (e.g., hammers, screwdrivers longer than 7 inches, wrenches)
Large quantities of liquids (e.g., beverages, shampoos, conditioners over 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters)
Flammable items (e.g., lighter fluid, fireworks, flares)
Aerosol cans (except for limited amounts of personal care items)
Certain chemicals and toxic substances (e.g., bleach, paint thinner)
Batteries and Electronics
Your carry-on luggage is the best place for electronic devices and batteries. In fact, lithium batteries—which are found in most phones, laptops, and other portable devices—are not allowed in checked luggage. You have to carry them on.
Make sure your devices are packed securely in your bag where they won’t get damaged. You also want them to be easily accessible, since you usually have to pull out any device larger than a phone to go through security.
I recommend using a well-designed laptop backpack or bag to make sure your expensive laptop is both safe and within easy reach.
Restrictions on Liquids, Gels, and Aerosols
The TSA’s 3-1-1 rule is a key important guideline for packing liquids, gels, and aerosols in your carry-on bags. Don’t worry, it’s not too complicated!
Each passenger is allowed to bring a quart-sized plastic bag of liquids, and each container in the bag should be 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less. So, pack your shampoos, conditioners, toothpaste, and lotions with these limits in mind.
Carry-On Luggage Size FAQs
Can 24-inch luggage be a carry-on?
A few airlines, like Frontier, allow 24-inch carry-on luggage, but most international airlines do not.
What is the TSA-approved carry-on size?
Carry-on size limits vary by airline. The most common limits are 22 x 14 x 9 inches for domestic flights, or 21.7 x 15.7 x 9 for international flights.
What if my carry-on is 1 inch too big?
Some airlines are pretty lenient on carry-on size, but even if your bag is only 1 inch too big, the airline can make you pay to check it.
What is the most strict carry-on size?
LATAM Airlines has one of the strictest carry-on size limits: 21.6 x 13.7 x 9 inches.
Will United allow a 24 inch carry-on?
No, United Airlines requires carry-ons to be under 22 x 14 x 9 inches.
About the Author
Jakob Thygerson
Jakob Thygerson is an outdoor adventure seeker who collects sunburns, National Park maps, and trail miles. He loves anything that gets him outdoors, whether it’s on foot, on skis, on a bike, or on the open road. A native of the Mountain West, he’s most at home in mountains and deserts with clear air and bright stars.
He has a background as a product design engineer and knows the ins and outs of materials, design, and manufacturing processes. He loves using this knowledge to analyze outdoor equipment and is an unrepentant gearhead.
